PREFACE.
By means of these scattered chapters the writer has come to know women better—their traditions, desires, and delights. If through these pages women should know themselves and what they may become in regard and temper for their lovers, friends, children, and their own sakes, it will well reward the pleasant labor which has already met such kind appreciation. Begun by chance, to make an agreeable article or two for Harper’s Bazar, the “Ugly-Girl Papers” were continued by request, and have brought the writer into friendly bearings with many of the readers of the Bazar. To their questions and hints these chapters owe more of their value than appears on the surface; and the little book goes out hoping to meet, if not new friends, at least some old ones.
The science of the toilet is well-nigh as delicate as that of medicine; and as no prescription has yet proved a specific for disease, no recipe can reach all cases of complexion. I could wish for this book the good-will and consideration of physicians, under whose advice it may be hoped its suggestions will approve themselves of wide service.